Sunday’s Matchweek 8 headliner pairs two of the world’s most popular clubs, and each side is informed by its own level of urgency. Liverpool did an admirable job defending its Premier League title in the season’s opening sprint, going 5-for-5 through Sept. 20. But the Reds have since taken back-to-back 2-1 losses against Crystal Palace and Chelsea. That’s not ideal, though United’s desperation is much stronger and far sweatier — even with two wins in its last three tries, the stalwart headed into Matchweek 8 in an unthinkable spot: 10th place on the EPL table.
How to watch Liverpool vs. United in the U.S.
- Venue: Anfield — Liverpool, U.K.
- Time: Sunday, 11:30 a.m. ET
- TV (U.S.): USA Network
- Streaming: Fubo (Stream Free Now)
Attacking has not been Liverpool’s issue. Hugo Ekitike has three goals in six matches. Mohamed Salah is a smooth operator with a clinical finish around the box. Forwards Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa have a pair of scores; so does midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, including September’s goal of the month nominee:
Superb, Grav 😍 pic.twitter.com/rwkoq3YUM5
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 2, 2025
Unless you really ride for Everton, that clip can loop again and again without objection. What a connection from Salah to Gravenberch. Liverpool went into the international break tied for third in the league with 13 total goals, though the reigning champs have been in the back of the net just twice across their last three appearances (including a 1-0 Champions League loss to Galatasaray).
Last time out, Liverpool was tripled up by Chelsea in shots on goal, 6 to 2. On the other end, keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili tries to find his footing as he fills in for the injured Alisson Becker (hamstring).
United is still in a maelstrom of bad vibes and botched hype, but the embattled club does have recent victories over Sunderland (2-0 in Matchweek 7) and Chelsea (2-1 in Matchweek 5). Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko each had first-half strikes against Sunderland, while 23-year-old keeper Senne Lammens had a three-save clean sheet in his debut. Expectations should be modest given the past year of United indignity, but at least Lammens brings a reset to the starting lineup.
In-depth coverage from The Athletic
Liverpool
James Pearce on Alexander Isak’s transition:
“Arne Slot believes Alexander Isak is at full fitness and ready to show why Liverpool broke the British transfer record to sign him. The Sweden striker has been eased in gently since completing a £125million move from Newcastle United at the end of the summer window. Isak, who missed most of pre-season after going on strike to force through the transfer, has made four starts and two substitute appearances in all competitions for Slot’s side. His only goal so far was in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton and he failed to score on international duty in Sweden’s defeats to Switzerland and Kosovo, but the Liverpool head coach is convinced Isak will kick on ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United at Anfield.”
United
Mark Critchley’s feature on Senne Lammens:
“Lammens’ journey to Old Trafford began in his home of Erpe-Mere, a small town of around 20,000 people between Brussels and Ghent. His first club was KRC Bambrugge, one of four that have since merged to form Erpe-Mere United. Lammens’ family have a long history with the club. His great uncle Paul is Erpe-Mere’s honorary chairman. His uncle Steven is the club’s sport manager. Back in those days, his father Eddy, a former Bambrugge player, was helping to coach the club’s youth teams that his elder brother Tom was part of. Tom and Senne never played in the same team together, save for a few friendlies when Tom’s teams were short a player and Senne would join in, despite being three years younger than everyone else on the pitch.”
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